Setting the Bar Higher

This coming weekend I will be part of an outdoor art exhibit in which I'm honored to participate.  It may look like an "art festival" if you drive by and see the tents, but it is much more.  It is a small group of juried artists whose work is of a high caliber and who paint in the traditional representational/realistic style.

One Pear

When I was first asked  to join this group, I felt it was a significant milestone in my art career.  My fellow talented artists are an inspiration, set the bar higher and make me push myself to reach that bar.  After three years, it also feels like a reunion of friends.  Our host, the proprietors of the Sunapee Landing Trading Company, make sure we have fresh coffee and homemade pastries in the morning and refreshing drinks throughout the day, all set up in the shade of an enormous apple tree.

The show is a reunion in other ways, too.  I get to see some of my NH cousins and the wonderful woman who purchased "One Pear" my first year is now a friend and has been a fabulous host each year.

The 3rd Annual Fine Artists Exhibition is held in Sunapee, NH down the road from the famed League of NH Craftsmen's Fair.  Click the link below for more info.
http://sunapee-landing.com/Fine_Artists_Exhibition.php
https://www.nhcrafts.org/craftsmens-fair-overview.php

Encaustic Paintings

Blue Paper and Paint 5x5

Gold and Red Geometric 5x5

I felt I had been away from updating my blog for a while, but was embarrassed to see that my last post was in July.  Work (the one that pays the bills) and class/homework has taken a bit of my time and energy, so when I get home, updating my blog isn't the highest priority. 

Copper and Apple 5x5

Japanese Maple 3x3 on Stone Tile

I have been making time to get back into Encaustic (hot wax) painting, though.  There are many aspects to the media that I love.  1) I can't fall back into my comfort zone of realistic painting 2) I have a reason rummage through my stash of gorgeous paper and 3) there is something so enticing about the depth and softeness created by the layers of wax.  My newest paintings are very simple and each has allowed me to play, but without having to commit lots of time (although it does take up a lot of space).

Speaking of space...  I downloaded Sketchup and decided to design my "dream" studio as an attachment to my house.  I started with a small footprint and added storage, shelves, easels, and some furniture so I could engage future clients.  By the time I was done, the original footprint grew to be the same size as my home.  I dream big!!

Gallery Representation

I am honored to announce that I am now represented by a wonderful gallery in Newport RI, Isherwood & Company.  Located on busy Bowen's Wharf, this is a new location for Ms. Nancy Isherwood, previously off Bellevue Ave.  The new gallery is in a prime location I think it will be a great spot - for both of us, I hope.  Nancy has a well selected mix of fine art and exquisitely hand crafted items. 

Isherwood & Company

Painting for the Holidays

Green Apple and Pottery
SOLD

Green Apple and Copper
SOLD

 In the past couple of weeks I've been making lots of little paintings for two holiday shows.  These can be seen (and purchased) at the Wickford Art Association November 25 through December 19th.

Braeburn Apple and Silver

Orange and Blue Pot

Low Tide at Sunrise

Hydrangea Stem

Hydrangea Blossom
SOLD

Sailing on the Bay
SOLD

Holly and Ornament

Marsh Shadow

Single Wave

Back to Metals

Pewter Bowl with Fruit
SOLD

 I feel like I've been in another world the past few months.  I've put my "recreational" painting on hold while I painted with my buddies Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore.  The joys of being a landlord!  I've also been painting for homework, but most of that is not worth sharing, just yet.  I finally got back to some little paintings that were left in the early stages - it feels nice to finish something, even if only 6x6 inches.   

Brass Bowl with Fruir
SOLD 

Working with Metals

Apple and Copper
SOLD

Orange and Pewter
SOLD 

Apple and Silver
SOLD 

With my latest paintings, I'm trying to get the knack of painting metal.  The challenge is capturing just the right color and the shape of the reflections.  Really looking at these components also reinforces skills to be used in all paintings.  After I scanned these paintings I saw some areas for improvement, but these are just little 6x6 paintings and I plan to make a few more.  Practice makes perfect!

A Month of Firsts

They say things come in threes and that seems to be true lately.  Three wonderful events in my art career have happened over the past few weeks.

1) First Place at Wickford Art Association's "Still Life & Interior Spaces" juried exhibit.  My newest painting, fresh off the easel (framed this morning) was selected for First Place.  Open Reception: Sunday, February 5th from 1-3pm

One Pear
SOLD 

2) First article about my artwork  Erin Swanson from SO Rhode Island magazine wrote a wonderful article (I almost didn't recognize me in print) and Laurel Mulherin got a great shot in my studio (a.k.a. corner of my bedroom)

3) My first Solo show at Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton CT.  A beautiful library designed to showcase art work with gallery rods throughout the building, beautiful lighting and patrons who really appreciate the artists who exhibit each month.

Life is Good!!

Getting Ready for My First Solo Show

Green Apples

9x12 Oil on Linen

$300

There is nothing like a deadline to make me stop procrastinating.  I have a number of paintings that still need some work and I want to have as many paintings as possible for a solo show in February.  Here are two that finally got a signature today.  Two others were touched up and reframed.  Now I need to decide what else I can realistically get finished and framed in time. One more tomorrow for sure - maybe two?

Zeke's Creek

9x12 Oil on Canvas Panel

SOLD

The show will be 2/2/12 - 2/29/12 at Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton CT.